HANDLELESS CLAMPING DEVICE
The present invention relates to surgical clamps and clamp devices that provide a handle-free surgical field. The clamp jaws may be opened or closed by a rotationally or translationally moveable drive element that may be actuated from a position proximal or distal to the jaws. The surgical clamps may also be deployed using a clamp applier which slidably engages the clamp along a wire to releasably attach itself to the clamp.
1 . A surgical clamp comprising first and second body portions having proximal and distal ends, the proximal ends being pivotally connected, and said first and second body portions further comprising first and second jaw portions extending from the first and second body portions respectively; and a rotatable drive element connected between the first body portion and the second body portion and orthogonally aligned with the body portions, such that the drive element may be rotated by a single digit when held in one hand and rotation of the drive element pivotally moves the body portions relative to one another.
2 . The surgical clamp of claim 1 wherein the drive element comprises a threaded rod, a thumbscrew mounted on the threaded rod, and a nut mounted in one or more channels in the first and second body portions, such that rotation of the threaded rod through the nut mounted in one or more channels in the first and second body portions pivotally moves the first jaw.